Aussies face huge task in world softball final

Australia forced officials to invoke the mercy rule as they crushed Italy 8-0 to reach the softball World Cup final in Oklahoma City on Sunday (local time).

But the Australians face an enormous task to overcome the United States in the decider, having lost 8-0 - also on the mercy rule - to the tournament hosts earlier in the day.

Despite having 10 rookies on their squad, the US - beaten by Japan for the Beijing Olympic gold medal - have hardly been challenged at the World Cup, outscoring opponents 48-3 and winning three of their five games by the mercy rule.